Types of Steel Materials and Their Uses
Steel is a versatile building material that can provide a range of benefits to construction projects. It is a relatively cheap material that has the strength and durability needed to ensure your structure will last for many years. It’s also able to be molded, allowing for more flexibility in building design than would otherwise be feasible. This flexibility is essential to any construction project.
There are many types of steel, however, mild and stainless steel are the most commonly used. The proportions of elements such as carbon, iron, and chromium in these alloys determines their individual characteristics and the best applications for them. For instance, alloys with high levels of chromium tend to be very hard however they are also resistant to corrosion and ductile. They are employed in industrial equipment, automobile parts, and kitchen appliances.
Other alloys can also be used for specific purposes. Tool steel is abrasion resistant and extremely durable. It is utilized in hammers and knives. Nickel steel has excellent welding properties and is durable and resistant to corrosion. This type of steel is widely used in wire chains and metal chains. Tungsten steel is resistant to heat, and produces excellent drill bits.
Structural steel is another popular type of steel for construction projects. It’s typically medium or lower carbon, making it rigid enough to support large structures yet flexible enough to endure the effects of earth shifting. It’s a common feature in pre-engineered metal buildings, which are built using I-beams, rebar steel rods to support concrete elements.